ALBANY – State legislatures representing the Chenango County area took a largely positive attitude toward the State of State Address given by Governor Andrew Cuomo in Albany on Wednesday.
While the Governor’s 2014 agenda encompasses a myriad of issues, such as education reform, investment in infrastructure and continued emphasis on New York State tourism, a bulk of it focuses on providing tax relief – something local state representatives say has been a priority for the Chenango County area for years.
“Overall, he offered a solid message,” said Senator Tom Libous (R-Binghamton) in a phone interview Wednesday. “The opportunities that we can best grasp are the tax cuts, manufacturing tax cuts, and encouraging tourism throughout the state.”
The Governor’s plans for tax relief revolve around a $2 billion state surplus by 2016-2017 that will be used to provide tax relief for homeowners and businesses. His proposal offers a two-year property tax freeze for homeowners, subject to two conditions: the taxing jurisdiction must adhere to the state mandated 2 percent tax cap in the first year, and adhere to the tax cap while also taking steps to share services or consolidate with another jurisdiction in the second year.
In addition, the Governor proposed providing tax relief based on ability to pay for households earning up to $200,000 via a property tax “circuit breaker.” This move would offer $1 billion in tax relief when fully phased in, he said.
Cuomo’s proposal also offers relief on the manufacturing front by providing a refundable credit that would be equal to 20 percent of a firm’s annual real property taxes; and eliminating the corporate income tax rate for Upstate manufacturers.
According to Assemblyman Clifford Crouch (R-Bainbridge), the Governor’s plans to provide tax relief are a “big step in the right direction.”
“His proposed tax cut plan is broad and incorporates many of the ideas I have long advocated for,” said Crouch. “Tax cuts are a big step in the right direction, but we must not disregard spending; we must ensure there is a responsible balance between the two.”
While Wednesday’s address focused heavily on tax relief and economic growth, there was something noticeable missing: the topic of high volume hydraulic fracturing.
“That didn’t come as a surprise,” noted Libous, a leading advocate of hydraulic fracturing in the state legislature.
“The Governor said he would make a decision when he gets the science. That’s what we want him to do,” Libous added. “But lets’ hope he gets this decision resolved sooner rather than later. There are a lot of constituents that are depending on a decision. This is something that affects their livelihood and they need to know if it’s something that will move forward or not.”
Cuomo further outlined several other initiatives Wednesday, including new proposals to strip New York State motorists of their driver’s license after three DWI charges, and suspend teens’ licenses for one year if they are caught texting while driving.
Another contentious issue – the topic of medical marijuana in New York State – was also brought to the forefront with Cuomo’s announcement that he plans to use statutory authority to launch a pilot medical marijuana research program that allows up to 20 hospitals to provide marijuana to patients being treated for serious illnesses.
In the realm of education, Cuomo proposed a $2 billion investment in technology for public schools, full scholarships for the states top 10 percent of students if they attend a SUNY or CUNY college, $20,000 bonuses for top performing teachers, and a continued push for full-day universal pre-K.
In his response, Crouch said, “We also need to take important steps to secure the successful futures of our children by taking a comprehensive look at education reform, specifically addressing the GAP Elimination Adjustment, Common Core, and APPR and how they affect the advancements of our students and their development.”
Continued development in state tourism also became a focal point during Cuomo’s address. He called for continued emphasis on tourism for New York State, citing a $4 billion increase in revenue generated from tourism. Furthermore, he proposed continued concentration on the states growing yogurt, wine, and other ag centric industries, and creation of a committee to help strengthen ties between Upstate ag producers with downstate consumers.
Said Cuomo, “Three years ago, we pledged to make the government work for the people of New York, transform our economy by reducing taxes and attracting business, develop world-class schools that give every student opportunity, and make New York a progressive leader once again.”
“For 2014, we have put forth the most comprehensive plan for the future of New York yet,” he added. “This agenda will grow the economy and provide fiscal relief to taxpayers, give our schools the classrooms of tomorrow, reimagine infrastructure across the state to face the new climate reality, and take steps to make our communities safer, fairer, cleaner and more progressive. Working together, we will continue to move New York forward.”